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Chapter 619: Dragon

I couldn’t help but frown at what I heard.

“Why is she pretty?” What kind of nonsense is that?

“You said she wears a mask because of her burns…!”

Ah.

Only then did I realize, by hearing Yuri’s words.

It seems Nangong Bi-ah has been wearing a mask.

‘Well, she kept that one promise.’

Before leaving for the North Sea, that was the strongest warning given.

I don’t know what kind of people they are there.

“You said it was a problem with your face and told her to cover it up.”

In any world, beauty is prone to envy.

When it comes to that, Nangong Bi-ah’s face was nothing less than a treasure.

That’s why I advised her to cover it up as much as possible.

Fortunately, it seems she listened well.

“Ah.”

After hearing the comment, Nangong Bi-ah slightly nodded, understanding Yuri’s words.

“That’s a lie.”

“…Huh?”

Yuri’s face froze momentarily at the casual confession.

“You mean it’s a lie…?”

“Yeah. A lie. Sorry.”

Even the apology was so calm.

This situation was a bit absurd, but—

“…Get up for now. We need to move.”

Standing idly wouldn’t do, so I quickly decided to rise.

As I moved, I grabbed Nangong Bi-ah.

“Ah…?”

Before she could react, I scooped her up in my arms.

“…”

“…It looks like it’s hard to move, so I’m doing this. Even if you don’t like it…”

“I don’t mind.”

“Oh, okay.”

Her firm response made me feel a bit awkward.

“Wait… You said you wouldn’t touch me because it was dirty…?”

I ignored the incredulous remark coming from behind.

I summoned energy and sent it to Yuri.

Whoosh-!

“Ugh.”

The energy wrapped around Yuri’s body, lifting her into the air.

It was possible since her body was back to its original state.

Moving quickly toward the hideout, I checked the direction while asking Yuri.

“I need to ask something before we set off.”

“What is it?”

“About the brother who was involved in the rebellion. He said his name is Yu Seon.”

“…Huh?”

Yuri’s expression twisted grotesquely at my question.

As if she had heard something strange.

From her reaction, is he the eldest?

Considering the Second Prince was most likely behind the rebellion, it could be true.

“I need information about him…”

“Wait a moment….”

“Huh?”

“Did you just say Yu Seon?”

“That’s right.”

I clearly heard it.

Yu Seon claimed his name was Yu Seon.

Yet, the certainty in Yuri’s expression grew more twisted.

“Did I… misunderstand something?”

“What?”

What does she mean?

Did I misunderstand?

“If you heard that name, I think you might have gotten it wrong.”

“No, I definitely heard it. He introduced himself as Yu Seon…”

“Yu Seon, that name isn’t one of my brothers.”

“Huh?”

At Yuri’s response, I frowned.

Not one of her brothers? What does that mean?

Struggling to understand, she looked at me.

“That name is….”

Yuri said.

“It belongs to the Ice Palace’s First Princess, our sister.”

Unexpected words jumped out.

Underground of the Ice Palace.

Bloodline. A place where only the Gungju, the ruler of the North Sea, can enter.

On that path, Yu Seon was walking.

Tap.

One step.

Tap.

Another step.

With each step Yu Seon took, subtle changes occurred.

Her body gradually shrank.

The lines of her physical form became increasingly delicate.

A cold-looking young man slowly transformed into a beautiful woman.

Someone who resembled Yuri, yet looked different.

“Today is a day of great harvest.”

While continuing to walk, Yu Seon spoke to someone behind her.

Her voice even changed. It had a sweet cadence like a woman’s.

“To think, your obsession with me extends to being of the same kin. It’s truly surprising.”

As Yu Seon spoke with a smile, the person behind her, Woo Hyeok, bit his lips.

“…That friend isn’t an obsession of mine.”

Woo Hyeok made an effort to deny it.

“Haha.”

Yu Seon couldn’t help but laugh in response.

“Biwaegun. You are special.”

“…”

“Knowing that, you overlook the fact that you lied to me. Do you understand?”

It was suffocating.

Woo Hyeok was momentarily engulfed in that sensation.

Yu Seon stopped walking.

“Isn’t that right? Otherwise…”

Then she turned to face Woo Hyeok.

In a manner that hinted at her slit pupils, Yu Seon grinned.

“You wouldn’t have simply overlooked my lies.”

“…”

White Fox.

Woo Hyeok frowned at the term referring to Nangong Bi-ah.

Seeing his expression, Yu Seon said.

“I won’t question why you did it; that’s a trivial matter.”

Her tone was filled more with amusement than rage.

“I always knew you would act that way.”

“…!”

Woo Hyeok’s eyes widened at Yu Seon’s words.

“…What…?”

You knew I would act that way?

Those words shook him to the core.

“…What do you want from me?”

Woo Hyeok asked with a weary voice.

Why does this woman go to such lengths against me?

“What do I want? Plenty, really.”

Whatever Woo Hyeok thinks, Yu Seon has even more wishes.

“You are far more important than you realize.”

Precious.

So extraordinarily precious.

For the future Yu Seon dreams of, he is an essential being.

“Not just you… but also the White Fox…”

Gratefully, another piece fell into her lap.

Moreover, this isn’t just any kin, but a pureblood presence.

This was an opportunity.

Gathering three pieces.

An opportunity to consume the pureblood and elevate their value.

At that moment.

“First Princess….”

Woo Hyeok’s call sharpened Yu Seon’s gaze.

“Biwaegun. I explicitly told you.”

A chilling energy that had never been felt before washed over them.

Crackle!

Frost spread across the walls.

“Don’t call me that. I’ve asked you.”

“…”

“I have shown great magnanimity toward you.”

I had saved the younger sibling I loved dearly, even desiring to tear her apart.

In that context.

“This level of ‘request’ should be manageable, right?”

Amidst the terrifying energy, Woo Hyeok hastily turned his head.

He couldn’t understand.

While everything else seemed easy to overlook, why did this particular part elicit such fervent resistance?

He couldn’t fathom it.

“…I’m sorry, Yu Seon.”

To Woo Hyeok, there was no other choice.

“Hmm.”

Hearing Woo Hyeok’s response, Yu Seon wore a satisfied smile as she continued walking.

Thus, they descended again and reached another entrance.

A heavy, massive iron door.

In front of it, Yu Seon reached out her hand.

Then.

Woooooooom–!!

The iron door trembled violently as it opened on its own.

Slowly widening the gap, a chilling breeze poured out.

Inside, there was.

A space as white as if it had snowed.

Moreover, it was vast.

A space where not even the entire Ice Palace of the North Sea would feel cramped.

Is there such a space underground?

Woo Hyeok stared at it with wide eyes.

At that moment.

“Congratulations.”

Yu Seon spoke to Woo Hyeok.

“It’s probably the first time. Someone who isn’t a Gungju or a bloodline has come here.”

“…”

“What do you think?”

Yu Seon gently gestured, indicating ahead.

In the center of the vast space, something floated in the air.

While small compared to the expanse, it was a sizeable chunk of ice.

What could that be?

At the moment Woo Hyeok was filled with questions.

“What do you think of the Ice Spirit?”

“…!”

Woo Hyeok swallowed hard at Yu Seon’s words.

Ice Spirit.

The most precious treasure held dear by the North Sea Ice Palace.

An object seen as a curse by the bloodlines.

Does that mean it’s ‘that’ Ice Spirit?

Brilliant and cold. That was the impression he got upon seeing the Ice Spirit for the first time.

Now, he could only ponder questions while looking at it.

“…Why are you showing me that?”

“Uh-huh.”

In response to Woo Hyeok’s question, Yu Seon calmly moved closer.

Toward the Ice Spirit.

“I just wanted to show it to you. Isn’t it interesting?”

How that tiny piece of ice is endlessly snowing over this land.

“Also, that you are living on borrowed time, using the bloodline as a guarantee.”

“What do you mean…!”

“Shall I tell you a truly interesting fact?”

For a moment, Woo Hyeok was shocked by the recent revelation.

As Yu Seon approached the Ice Spirit, she leaned in closer to Woo Hyeok.

“Biwaegun, what do you think this is?”

Pointing at the Ice Spirit, she asked.

“…The Ice Spirit?”

“That’s right.”

The batch of ice.

The ancient treasure of the Ice Palace.

What Woo Hyeok saw was indeed that.

He caught on that it was more than just a significant object based on her previous words.

Yet, Yu Seon continued.

“This is what we refer to as an ‘Egg.'”

“…?”

An egg?

“The egg said to be planted by the Dragon Emperor. An egg that is close to hatching.”

“…What are you talking about?”

“I believe this is destiny.”

Yu Seon grinned, continuing to laugh.

“That soon before the hatching, the pieces gathered here, and a pureblood appeared before me.”

The laughter flowed out. Whether it was involuntary or not, she laughed.

“I’ve been ‘chosen.’ It must all be destiny.”

“…”

An unidentifiable madness emanated from her.

Gazing at Yu Seon made Woo Hyeok swallow hard.

“All of this appears to urge me to follow the path I wish to take without hesitation.”

Yu Seon recalled the pureblood dragon she met earlier.

Pureblood.

Not one who has tried to transcend the species by blooming the seeds left by the Dragon Emperor like herself.

But beings who broke their vessels and flew above the sky.

Their value differs, thereby destined to stand above other dragons.

Individuals with the qualifications to become a Dragon Emperor.

That is what purebloods are.

Clearly, she had heard that there were no such beings in this land. So how could one appear?

[Let go.]

Recalling the words she had uttered, Yu Seon felt ecstatic inside.

Born to rule, naturally possessing power.

Even without awakening their abilities, just those two words made Yu Seon freeze in place.

A dragon that failed to evolve but had not yet flourished.

Moreover, a pureblood that could become a ruler.

She desired it.

Yu Seon longed for him.

But she let him go instead.

She didn’t devour him on the spot.

For that would be too regrettable.

‘More, in a more assured state.’

Not in a damaged or broken state.

In a complete, whole condition, she would stomp down and swallow him.

Thus, she would shatter all the qualifications and conditions held by purebloods.

Then she would come to understand.

Not he.

But that she is worthy of being a Dragon Emperor.

So, she would devour all the pieces.

Even the one that was meant to hatch from the Ice Spirit before her.

‘Thus.’

Continuing to ascend.

Soaring high above into the sky of the North Sea.

That is how she would find the Spring of North Sea.

That was.

Yu Seon’s goal.

 

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